Pennsylvania Real Estate Salesperson Exam Overview
The Pennsylvania Real Estate Salesperson Exam is administered by PSI Services on behalf of the State Real Estate Commission (SREC). Pennsylvania has unique requirements including the Consumer Notice disclosure and mandatory seller disclosure law that are heavily tested.
Passing this exam qualifies you to work as a real estate salesperson in Pennsylvania—the 5th largest state with over 13 million residents and diverse markets from Philadelphia and Pittsburgh metros to rural and suburban communities.
Exam Format at a Glance
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 120 multiple-choice (80 national + 40 state) |
| Time Limit | 4 hours |
| Passing Score | 75% on each section |
| Exam Fee | $49 |
| Pre-licensing Education | 75 hours required |
| Testing Vendor | PSI Services |
| License Term | 2 years |
Why Get Licensed in Pennsylvania?
- Large population — Over 13 million residents
- Philadelphia metro — Major East Coast market
- Pittsburgh revival — Growing tech hub
- Affordable markets — Strong buyer opportunities
- Diverse geography — Urban to rural options
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Key Topics Covered on the Exam
1. SREC & Licensing (20%)
Commission Structure:
- State Real Estate Commission authority
- Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs
- Rule-making powers
- Disciplinary procedures
- License law enforcement
License Requirements:
- 18 years old minimum
- High school diploma or equivalent
- 75 hours pre-license education
- Pass both exam portions
- Background check required
License Types:
- Salesperson license
- Broker license (additional requirements)
- Associate broker
- Rental listing referral agent
- Time-share salesperson
Continuing Education:
- 14 hours per 2-year cycle
- 3.5 hours ethics required
- SREC-approved courses only
- Renewal procedures
- Late renewal penalties
2. Agency Law (25%)
Consumer Notice:
- Required disclosure document
- Must be provided before services
- Explains agency relationships
- Broker and consumer signatures
- Timing requirements critical
Brokerage Relationships:
- Seller agent
- Buyer agent
- Dual agent
- Transaction licensee
- Subagency (limited use)
Duties to Clients:
- Loyalty
- Obedience
- Disclosure
- Confidentiality
- Accounting
- Reasonable skill and diligence
Duties to Customers:
- Honesty
- Fair dealing
- Material fact disclosure
- Reasonable care
- No misrepresentation
3. Contracts & Disclosures (30%)
Seller Disclosure Law:
- Pennsylvania Real Estate Seller Disclosure Law
- 28-item disclosure form
- Material defects
- Known conditions
- Exemptions (new construction, foreclosures)
Agreement of Sale:
- Standard form requirements
- Essential contract terms
- Contingencies
- Financing provisions
- Closing date
Trust Accounts:
- Escrow requirements
- Deposit timeline (end of next business day)
- Interest-bearing accounts (with consent)
- Disbursement procedures
- Record keeping
Additional Disclosures:
- Lead-based paint
- Radon disclosure
- Oil and gas rights
- Community association disclosure
- Mine subsidence
4. Property Law & Fair Housing (25%)
Pennsylvania Human Relations Act:
- State fair housing law
- Protected classes
- Broader than federal in some areas
- Enforcement procedures
- Penalties
Types of Ownership:
- Fee simple
- Life estates
- Tenancy in common
- Joint tenancy
- Tenancy by the entirety
- Condominium ownership
Property Taxes:
- Local assessment procedures
- Millage rates
- Tax exemptions
- Tax liens
- School tax separate
Environmental Issues:
- Lead-based paint
- Radon gas (unique to PA)
- Underground storage tanks
- Mine subsidence
- Flood zones
Study Timeline for Success
| Week | Focus Area | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1-2 | SREC regulations and licensing | 15-18 |
| Week 2-3 | Agency law and Consumer Notice | 18-22 |
| Week 3-4 | Contracts and disclosures | 20-24 |
| Week 4-5 | Property law and fair housing | 15-18 |
| Week 5-6 | Practice exams and review | 15-18 |
Total recommended study time: 80-100 hours (plus 75-hour pre-licensing)
Free Practice Questions Available
Test your knowledge with hundreds of free practice questions designed specifically for the Pennsylvania Real Estate exam.
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Pennsylvania-Specific Exam Tips
1. Master the Consumer Notice
Pennsylvania's required agency disclosure:
- Must be provided before services rendered
- Explains agency relationship options
- Requires signatures from both parties
- Timing is critical
- Different from listing agreement
2. Know the Seller Disclosure Law
The 28-item disclosure form:
- Required for most residential sales
- Material defects must be disclosed
- Know the exemptions
- Lead paint separate disclosure
- Radon disclosure unique to PA
3. Understand Radon Disclosure
Pennsylvania is high-risk for radon:
- Required disclosure statement
- Radon testing recommendation
- EPA action levels
- Mitigation options
- Unique to Pennsylvania exams
4. Key Numbers to Remember
| Topic | Pennsylvania Requirement |
|---|---|
| Passing score | 75% each section |
| Pre-licensing | 75 hours |
| License term | 2 years |
| CE requirement | 14 hours/2 years |
| Trust deposit | End of next business day |
| Exam questions | 120 (80+40) |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring Consumer Notice — Must be provided before services
- Missing radon disclosure — Unique to Pennsylvania
- Confusing disclosure exemptions — Know what's exempt
- Failing one section — Must pass BOTH at 75%
- Skipping trust account rules — Strict timing requirements
- Not reviewing Human Relations Act — State fair housing law
After Passing Your Exam
- Submit license application to SREC
- Pay application fee ($97)
- Complete background check if required
- Obtain employing broker before activation
- Complete 14 hours CE every 2 years
- Begin your real estate career in Pennsylvania
2026 Pennsylvania Updates
For 2026, be aware of:
- Updated SREC regulations
- Disclosure form revisions
- Digital transaction requirements
- Fair housing training updates
- Continuing education changes
Start Your Pennsylvania Real Estate Career Today
The Pennsylvania Real Estate Salesperson license opens doors to diverse markets across the Commonwealth. From Philadelphia's urban market to Pittsburgh's revival to suburban and rural communities, opportunities abound. With proper preparation, you can pass both exam sections on your first attempt.
→ Begin FREE Pennsylvania Real Estate Exam Prep Now
Our free study materials include:
- Complete topic coverage
- Practice questions with explanations
- Consumer Notice specifics
- Radon disclosure guide
- AI-powered study assistance
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